Oscars 2011: Best Actress Nominee Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams is up for her first Oscar 2011 nomination (Best Actress) for her role in “Blue Valentine.” Williams co-starred with Ryan Gosling, who didn’t get an Oscar nod. Williams gave a fearless performance as a struggling wife and mother. This is her second Oscar nomination. Her first nomination came for her performance in 2005 as Best Supporting Actress in Brokeback Mountain. This was the film that brought her and her daughter’s father, the ill-fated Heath Ledger, together.

Williams’ Oscar profile began to rise with her role in the television series Dawson’s Creek. She played Jen Lindley for all six seasons of the successful WB show. Williams went on to further acting roles which include “Prozac Nation” (2001), previously mentioned “Brokeback Mountain” (2005), “I’m Not There” (2007), “Shutter Island” (2010) and now “Blue Valentine” (2010).

Michelle Williams performance was solid in “Blue Valentine.” The movie received only one nod from the Academy for Williams’ role. Her performance may not have been as “extreme” as Natalie Portman’s in the “Black Swan,” however, it still is as unforgettable. It’s been reported that Williams and her co-star Ryan Gosling lived together for a month prior to filming to make it that much more authentic. Critics have said that Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling’s performances carried the film. I guess that’s why “Blue Valentine” didn’t get any other Oscar 2011 nods.

As much as Williams gave a great performance in this role, it won’t be enough to compare to Oscars 2011 front runner Natalie Portman. Although worthy, I think the Academy will go with the rumored favorite. Michelle Williams will need to keep plugging away and earn herself an Oscar another year.